Post navigation

A school’s perspective: Creative Technology Day 2014

Cavan Pledge, Head of Art at Hillview School in Kent, and a key partner in Creative Technology Day 2014, reflects upon his experience of the event held at Central Saint Martins on Thursday 2 October.

“It was an exciting and unique event, which provided participants with a vast ‘tree’ of information connecting Primary School computer coding, Secondary School implementation of the new Computing Curriculum at the roots, with a broad trunk of creative application and exploration at HE Level to a canopy of creative individuals, businesses and cultural organisations using cutting edge computer technologies in a range of specialist applications.”

“For a teacher of Art and Design at Secondary Level the event provided a much needed opportunity to discuss issues around developing the creative use of technologies within the curriculum; not only with a broad range of education experts and practitioners but also with professionals who willingly shared experiences, ideas and knowledge.

Digital Arcade presented by Terry Watts, Cotham School, Bristol

The event, with its layers of happenings, provided a range of hands-on exploration of interactive technologies and creative activities, such as contributing to a ‘virtual quilt’ and working with heat sensitive dyes, which were useful for generating ideas for lessons. It also enabled sharing of ideas through group discussion around a range of creative technology issues. Further face-to-face discussion with participants allowed for the dissemination of ideas, experiences and knowledge. A range of presentations by schools, students and professionals showcased the application of a number of creative technologies, providing the bigger picture that could be used to inspire and inform students about creative applications and possible career paths involving creative technologies. Areas covered included wearable light sensors, computer science and engineering opportunities, app design, the creation of virtual environments, code clubs and social-interactive design projects.

Nicolas Gold, Computer Science, University College London

As a teacher new to computer programming, and one looking for ideas for creative applications for computer technologies, the event usefully cut through the ‘techno babble’ and gave confidence in how different peripherals can be connected and used. Not only were many practical links and contacts made, but quality information about teaching through non-computational thinking, inspiration for experimentation and knowledge on effective curriculum models were shared.”